Sirak Melkonian Information

Melkonian, Sirak was born in Tehran (1931), the capital city of Iran and then he moved in Arak (the center of Central Province) due to his father’s job. He showed a special interest in painting from the very childhood, for this reason, his father supported and encouraged him to follow his attachment. His father sent him to learn painting from an Assyria migrant, Alex Gorgiz who was working in the field of the arts of mezzotint, etching, and engraving and he taught Sirak how to work in the field of oil painting. Sirak after passing primary school returned to Tehran and enrolled in the Tamaddon High School. After passing the high school course he joined the Armenian Cultural Progressive Association, and more than ten years along with other Armenian Artists followed the process of learning the art of painting assiduously. He was one of the apprentices of Marco Gregorian and by the encouragement of his master for a while he left Iran for Italy to deepen his studies, but he could not stay there and returned Iran. Professional Activities From 1972 to 1975 he was tutoring (gave individual instruction) in Tehran. In 1981 he left Iran for Greece and after one year of residing in that country he moved to Canada and at the present time he is teaching painting in Toronto. In their first years of his boarding in Canada, he was invited to teach in Alberta University but due to his family issues, he can’t accept this invitation. He possesses a special style in painting. He uses simple lines even though his works seem fragile and modern, but they are very charming and pleasant and attract the audience. Personal Life His wife, Helen, has brought for him two sons who are called Armen and Ara. Exhibitions He has participated in more than 35 individual and group painting exhibitions throughout the world, which some of them are as follows: 1. Anniversary Exhibition of Iran and Soviet Russia Cultural Association (1950-53) 2. The Group exhibition which was held by the Iranian Contemporary painters in the Mehregan Association Center (1954) 3. Esthétique Gallery (1957) 4. Herve Odermatte Gallery, Paris 5. Gorki Gallery, a group exhibition, Tehran, Iran, 6. New York Exhibition (1983) 7. Los Angles Exhibition (1986) Awards 1. Tehran Biennale Prize 2. Paris Biennale Prize 3. The International Biennale Prize of Art Exposition 4. The Prize of Iran-o-America Association 5. The prize of Iranian Contemporary Artists (twice)